Please print this page before proceeding:

You can use this process to add your own oils, colors and fragrances, or to rebatch if you're making your own soap. 

(A) You'll need spring water (about 4-10 oz for every pound of soap). Distilled water will work, but is not prefered.

(B) A grater to mill the soap. 

(C) A double boiler. 

(D) Heat. 

(E) Time and patience. 
 
 

(1) Mill the soap very fine. 

(2) Boil some tap water, then allow it to cool to simmer. Keep your heat very, very low at this point and remember to continually adjust the water level for evaporation. 

(3) "Wet" your grated soap with spring water, and slowly add it to the top boiler, 3-4 oz at at time, and slowly add cool spring water to the soap and stir frequently. If you've ever made pancakes, follow the same technique. When your pound of soap is wet, stirred and starting to melt, STOP adding spring water. Continue to gently stir for a moment or so. Consider the consistancy...add very, very small amounts of spring water as needed to keep the soap from hardening or scorching. 

(4) Cover and continue to stir occasionally, adding tap water to the bottom boiler or adjust the heat as needed for about an hour or so until it becomes a consistency of pancake batter, more or less. 

(5) At this point, you can add your oils, fragrances, etc., stirring thoroughly. 

(6) At this stage, you will want a consistency that is a little thicker than pancake batter, but not as thick as pancake syrup. If it's "wetter" continue to "cook" a while longer. If it's "dryer" add very small amounts of spring water and continue to "cook" a while longer. Remember... weather, temperature, humidity and technique all play a part in soap making, so adjust your times and amounts as you proceed. 

(7) Pour into your molds, cover with a damp newspaper, and let it cure for 1 to 3 weeks at room temperature. 

(8) If at first you don't succeed, keep trying. Like a good recipe, it sometimes takes a while to get the process right. But it's worth it.